if

[ if ]
/ ɪf /

conjunction

noun

a supposition; uncertain possibility: The future is full of ifs.
a condition, requirement, or stipulation: There are too many ifs in his agreement.

Idioms for if

    ifs, ands, or buts, reservations, restrictions, or excuses: I want that job finished today, and no ifs, ands, or buts.

Origin of if

before 900; Middle English, variant of yif, Old English gif, gef; akin to Old Norse ef if, Gothic ibai whether, Old High German iba condition, stipulation

SYNONYMS FOR if

1, 2 If, provided, providing imply a condition on which something depends. If is general. It may be used to indicate suppositions or hypothetical conditions (often involving doubt or uncertainty): If you like, we can go straight home. If I had known, I wouldn't have gone. If may mean even though: If I am wrong, you are not right. It may mean whenever: If I do not understand, I ask questions. Provided always indicates some stipulation: I will subscribe ten dollars provided ( on the condition ) that you do, too. Provided he goes, we can go along. Providing means the same as provided, that is, just in case some certain thing should happen: We will buy the house, providing ( provided ) we can get a mortgage.

usage note for if

If meaning “whether,” as in I haven't decided if I'll go, is sometimes criticized, but the usage has been established in standard English for a long time.

Definition for if (2 of 2)

if

or IF


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British Dictionary definitions for if (1 of 2)

if
/ (ɪf) /

conjunction (subordinating)

noun

an uncertainty or doubt the big if is whether our plan will work at all
a condition or stipulation I won't have any ifs or buts

Word Origin for if

Old English gif; related to Old Saxon ef if, Old High German iba whether, if

British Dictionary definitions for if (2 of 2)

IF

i.f.

/ electronics /

abbreviation for

intermediate frequency

Medical definitions for if

IF

abbr.

initiation factor

Idioms and Phrases with if

if